Dry Eyes and Menopause: Why Hormones Matter for Eye Health
Dry, gritty or burning eyes are a common but often unrecognised symptom of menopause. Hormonal changes can affect tear quality and eye comfort, making dry eye more likely during this life stage.
Progesterone-only HRT in perimenopause: what you need to know
Progesterone-only HRT is increasingly requested by women in perimenopause, often because sleep, anxiety and night sweats feel unmanageable and they’re wary of oestrogen or synthetic progestogens. But progesterone-only isn’t a standard NHS pathway — largely because guidance is oestrogen-led and progesterone’s established role is womb protection. The emerging evidence (including perimenopause-specific trial data) suggests progesterone can help some women, but it isn’t a complete solution for many perimenopause symptoms. Here’s how to make an evidence-based, personalised decision.
Gel, patch or spray? Understanding transdermal HRT and why one size doesn’t fit all
Gel, patch or spray? If your HRT isn’t working the way you hoped, the issue may not be the dose but how your body absorbs it. Learn how transdermal HRT works and why personalised care matters.
The Impact of Stress on Female Hormones
Stress can affect every part of the female hormone system, from ovulation and cycle regularity to sleep, mood and long-term wellbeing. In this blog, Dr Georgina Standen explains how acute and chronic stress influence oestrogen, progesterone and cortisol, the symptoms that can follow, and the most effective lifestyle, medical and complementary approaches to restoring balance.
Hormones and Sleep During the Menopause
Hormones play a powerful role in how well we sleep — from cycle-related changes to the dramatic shifts of perimenopause and menopause. In this blog, Dr Georgina Standen explains how oestrogen, progesterone, cortisol and melatonin interact with the brain’s sleep systems, why insomnia becomes more common in midlife, and which treatments and lifestyle strategies truly make a difference.
How to Naturally Maintain Your Testosterone Levels Through Midlife
Testosterone doesn’t fall off a cliff at menopause — it declines gradually. Learn how nutrition, movement, sleep and stress balance can help preserve your natural levels and energy through midlife.
Understanding Testosterone vs Oestrogen in Midlife: What This New Study Reveals
A new 2025 study has redefined how we understand women’s hormones at midlife. While oestrogen falls sharply around menopause, testosterone declines slowly — influencing energy, libido and wellbeing. Discover what this means for treatment and natural hormone balance.
HRT and Heart Health: Rethinking the ‘Window of Opportunity’ Theory
For years, women were told there was a limited “window of opportunity” to start HRT safely for heart health. New evidence shows this isn’t true. Modern studies reveal that the timing of HRT matters far less than the type, route, and overall cardiovascular profile. Dr Georgina Standen explains why HRT remains safe and beneficial well beyond ten years after menopause when used appropriately.
Progesterone Sensitivity: When Your Hormones Own the Mood
Some women react strongly to progesterone, triggering mood swings, anxiety, or skin changes. Learn which progestins are best tolerated, with evidence-based advice from Dr Georgina Standen at Sirona Health.
Mast Cells, Histamine and Female Hormones: Why Some Women React Differently
If your skin flares up, your gut feels reactive, or you find yourself flushed, itchy, or anxious around your period or during perimenopause, you’re not imagining it. There’s growing evidence that female hormones can directly influence immune cells called mast cells, changing how much histamine your body releases. These hormone–immune interactions may explain why some women experience cyclical symptoms that cross several systems — skin, digestion, mood, and energy — yet have never been fully explained by hormones alone.
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM): Understanding Your Options
Many women experience vaginal dryness, discomfort or urinary changes after menopause — but you don’t have to live with it. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is common and treatable. From moisturisers and lubricants to Gina®, Ovesse®, Imvaggis® and prasterone, discover safe and effective options to restore comfort and confidence.
I Never Tolerated the Pill, So I Can’t Take HRT” – Busting a Common Menopause Myth
Many women worry that because they didn’t tolerate the pill in their 20s, they won’t tolerate HRT in menopause. In reality, the two treatments are very different — HRT uses lower doses of body-identical hormones tailored to your needs, and many women who struggled with the pill find they thrive on HRT.
Dydrogesterone for HRT: Safer Progestogen Choice?
Dydrogesterone is emerging as a progestogen with a gentler side effect and safety profile compared to others. Learn what the latest studies show and whether Estradiol + Dydrogesterone HRT might be the right choice for you.
Slynd®: The New Generation Progesterone-Only Pill Now Available in the UK
Slynd® (drospirenone 4 mg) is reshaping progesterone-only contraception in the UK: predictable dosing, improved tolerability, and effective protection for adults and adolescents
Do You Really Need an Estradiol Blood Test During Menopause?
Many women are told they need an estradiol blood test to confirm menopause or to monitor hormone replacement therapy (HRT). But the truth is, blood levels don’t always reflect what’s happening in your body. In most cases, your symptoms — not a single blood test result — are the most reliable guide. Learn why estradiol testing is rarely necessary, when it can be helpful, and how a personalised approach leads to better menopause care.
Menopause or Thyroid Disease? How to Tell the Difference
Feeling tired, foggy, or just not yourself in midlife? Menopause and thyroid disease share many of the same symptoms — from fatigue and mood swings to weight changes and poor sleep. At Sirona Health, our perimenopause blood panels include thyroid screening, with advanced testing available if needed. Find out how checking both can help you get answers and feel like yourself again.
Identifying Hormone Patterns — Progesterone Decline During the Menopausal Transition
As ovulation slows in midlife, progesterone production drops—often leaving estrogen unopposed. The result? Heavy periods, mood swings, and hormonal imbalance. Learn why progesterone matters in perimenopause and how tracking your hormones with Mira can help you take control.
Testosterone Cream for Postmenopausal Women Now Licensed in the UK
The MHRA has approved a testosterone cream for postmenopausal women in the UK. At Sirona Health, based in Bath, Stroud, Cirencester & Tetbury, you can access this treatment privately now — even before the official UK launch.
Zoely & PMDD: Could This Pill Help Ease Your Symptoms?
Discover how Zoely — a contraceptive pill containing nomegestrol acetate and bioidentical estradiol — may help ease PMDD symptoms. Learn the science, benefits, and how it compares with other pills, so you can make an informed decision about your treatment.
Clinical Insights on Hormonal Monitoring with Mira and Its Role in Perimenopause Management
Discover how Mira hormonal monitoring provides real-time insights into the fluctuating hormone levels during perimenopause. Learn how this advanced tool helps personalise treatment plans, improve symptom management, and guide effective hormone replacement therapy.